Cutaneous antifungal microbiota of amphibians Rana catesbeiana, the North American bullfrog, is known as a carrier of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the fungal pathogen that is responsible for the decline of many amphibian populations worldwide. For unknown reason, R. catesbeiana is not succumbing to the disease, even though it is frequently infected with the pathogen. We are investigating the cutaneous microbial diversity of this amphibian species and their antifungal properties agains Bd, and against dermatophytes that cause topical and subdermal skin infections in humans.
Diversity of microcrustaceans in ponds and lakes of the Southern San Joaquin Valley, California Can microcrustaceans as natural predators of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis protect frogs from chytridiomycosis? Samples from several ponds/lakes are being investigated to assess the microcrustacean diversity in the water-column and the diversity of resting eggs in the sediment from copepods, cladocerans, and ostracods over the seasons. Because of the introduction of fish and shrimp in many ponds/lakes in California, a decline of some microcrustacean species has been reported, often with dramatic impacts in the freshwater ecosystem. In this project, we are also investigating if several different species of microcrustaceans are feeding on Bd-zoospores and thus, might be powerful predators to reduce zoospore loads in the natural pond/lake environment to reduce outbreaks of chytridiomycosis among amphibian populations.
Detection ofCoccidioides immitisin loamy sands of the Southern San Joaquin Valley, and in the Antelope Valley area (Mojave Desert), California We have developed a culture independent method to detect the pathogen in its natural soil environment. By using this method we want to find growth sites (“hot-spots”) of C. immitis in Southern California, especially around Bakersfield, Kern County, CA. This area has traditionally high incidences of Valley Fever. We also want to find microbial antagonists to the pathogen that are adapted to grow in desert soils, and which could ultimately be used to suppress the growth of the fungus in the soil. Furthermore, the diversity of fungi in loamy sands of the Southern San Joaquin Valley that support the growth of C. immitis is studied with culture independent methods.
Diversity of bacterial associates ofWatersipora subtorquata, a highly invasive bryozoan species worldwide W. subtorquata is an amazingly successful invasive bryozoan species that can be found in many human influenced coastal areas worldwide. It is adapted to grow in eutrophic, copper-, and polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-polluted environments, such as harbors. In this project, we are investigating the Watersipora associated microbial symbionts and the role they play in the invasion success of this bryozoan species.
